Day 6
The next morning when everyone awoke, Bloodstone was not asleep in the main room. Newton, Beth and Eve headed back to the library. Xach and Amethyst headed to the training yards. Kuya went back to the mages to scribe spells. This left Isabel and Sarah alone in the suite with the maid.
Beth, Eve and Newton returned around noon, talking about the current research they had been doing, about the world in general and Rhir itself.
“So the king runs, the capital and each area between the walls, is run by two or three lords, who keep the peace and moves goods and taxes through the kingdom.” Eve asked questioningly.
“More or less, it’s like small kingdoms in the big one, like our states, in the US. Though from what the prince was saying there are a couple of areas in the third region that don’t have Lords and haven’t had them since the big attack forty years ago, everyone was wiped out. Something about that still bugs me pardon the pun”, Newton replied.
“I was surprised the king, came by, any idea what he was looking for?” Beth asked.
“Nope,” Newton said.
Kuya came in shortly after a scowl on her face, muttering incoherently in anger. She sat down at the table in the middle of the suite and sulked.
The maid had put out food, with Sarah making the requests for bread and meats and cheeses. Sandwiches had been laid out, all put together by Sarah. Amethyst and Xach returned, with news.
“The king has decided we are to move to the third district, and take over one of the wall keeps as well as the villages around it. It seems there has been some issues finding a lord or lady to administer the region.” She unrolled a large map, and placed it on the table. It showed most of the current kingdom and major towns and fortifications, and more specifically the walls.
“Why now?” Newton asked.
“I didn’t ask, I think he wants us out of the capital. It wasn’t what he said more of what he didn’t say.” Amethyst replied.
“Where is the third district?” Eve asked looking at the map.
“It is this one by the coast.” Amethyst said pointing to the third wall on the north-west side of the wall.
Newton looked at the name of the keep, “Why does that sound familiar? I know I have seen Ardiham before.”
Beth looked over at the map, “I think that’s where the third wall was breached in the antinium war. I can look it up when we get back to the library”
“Does Blood know about this, anyone seen him today?” Newton asked everyone at the table.
The maid replied, “He was not here when I arrived. There was a blanket out I put it away.”
“The one who was sleeping left early, and hasn’t been back since, would someone kindly tell me where the box went?” The silver cat said jumping up onto the table.
The maid froze, “A talking cat!?”
“Uh yeah, long story, there was a box on the table any idea where that went.”, Newton asked, Marie.
“I do not recall any box, on the table, when I came in.” She replied, looking around the suite.
“Why were you not with the box?” Eve asked the cat.
“I was listening to Isabel and Sarah, in the other room.” The cat said walking over to stare at Eve. “Did you take the box?”
Eve laughed, “Why would I take the box, we were given the box by the enchantress. Where would I put it, I have no idea how to open it.”
“Perhaps she took it,” The cat said using its tail to point at Kuya.
Kuya looked over at the cat, “Azalar, you don’t know where the box is?”
The cat opened its mouth closed it, the replied almost relieved, “I do not.”
Kuya started to giggle, the giggle turned into uncontrolled laugher.
Everyone except for Isabel looked over at her, “do you know where the box is?”, Sarah asked.
Kuya was laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe, she just pointed up. With that everyone looked up. Sitting on one of the crossbeams was the box, a good twenty feet up.
“How did you get it up there?”, Beth asked trying to figure out how she was able to get it up there.
This sent her into another fit of laugher.
“What is so funny,” Isabel asked, clearly not understanding.
“Somehow Kuya put the box up in the rafters,” Eve said.
“Oh, is Kuya a mage?” Isabel asked.
“Yes, Oh!” Newton finally realized, how it had gotten up there.
“She’s always doing that, giving her magic, just makes it worse.”, Xach said grimacing.
Newton cast a spell and the box wobbled then fell, Newton caught it before it hit the table. “Hiding it is not a bad idea, since we know there’s other magic inside, it’s too bad you can’t open it again.” Newton said placing it on the table.
Kuya finally stopped laughing, looked at Newton, “I bet we can open it if we figure out how it opened before. Neo, do you know how you opened it?” The small ball of light floated around her head. “Neo!” It then flew to the top of her staff and disappeared. “He’s not being helpful today.”
“Azalar, would you tell us a bit about your creator?”, Eve asked.
The cat looked over at the box then at her, “I don’t understand why I should tell you anything?”
“You must really like being in that box,” Xach said.
The cat turned at stared at Xach, “That is untrue, it is nice to be out again, I am just concerned about the boxes contents.”
“Are you still going to accept me or my sister as your Master?” Xach asked.
“The box is closed. I would say no.” Azalar replied.
“Suit yourself”, Xach said taking a bite from another sandwich.
Amethyst looked at the maid, “Where would I go to get a nice hot shower?”
The maid looked at her, “A hot shower, I am not sure what this is.”
“Well we have been here for four days I need to take a shower, and get some soap, you know to clean up?” Amethyst asked.
“Oh, there are the baths, I could show you where they are in the residence,” the maid replied.
“Sure, anyone else?”, Amethyst asked.
“Where can we get towels,” Newton asked.
“They will be on the men’s side of the bath.” The maid replied.
It short order they filed out to find the baths. The cat stayed behind and resumed its perch on the box.
Bloodstone sat on the edge looking out over the city, he had climbed up to this spot, on one of the fortress walls. Down below he could see the residence, and the city stretched out to the ocean below him. He was at least five or six hundred feet up above the ground. The walls of the fortress, were built a long time ago, and seemed to be in good shape. The king had had a long talk with him after his meeting with Miguel.
Miguel had been locked in the dungeon and pretty much forgotten until he mentioned it to the king. Miguel, he wasn’t sure how he was going to work out with the group. It wasn’t that he was a bad person, he just seemed to have a bit of a strong personality.
Thinking back, it could have gone better, maybe I shouldn’t have threatened him. It was too late now.
They had led bloodstone down two or three stories underground, through at least two wooden and four metal doors, of the six doors four of them had keys, two had guards and it was a maze to get to where the dungeons were. Bloodstone knew he could get back to the surface without much issue, the doors would be a problem without the keys.
The cell if that’s what it could be called was set with bars and a door, it looked like it has heavy metal, both the bars and the door.
The soldier who had escorted him this far, pointed at the open cell. The light was horrible and the only lights were small lanterns on hooks every ten feet. It also added a gloom to the area, as the smoke from them seemed to hang around for a long time.
There was a what looked like a cot, and what looked like a wooden bucket. There also seemed to be a metal bowl next to the bars.
“Are you sure this is where they put him?” Bloodstone asked the soldier.
“Yup the mouthy one who was summoned, and tried to attack the king, that would be this one.” The soldier replied.
There was a figure who got up off the cot, it was Miguel who let loose with a string of Spanish, and then “Coño, Gringo, what did you do with Evalynn, none of these people, “he gestured to the soldier, “will tell me what’s going on.”
“Whoa slow down there, I have answers. Eve is all right, we are in a place called Rhir. The king whom you tried to attack is the one in charge. Now I could put in a good word get you out for good behavior or you can just sit down in the smoky darkness, for the rest of your life.” Bloodstone said turning to leave
“Wait, wait.” Miguel said.
“What?” Bloodstone asked, turning back.
“What is Rhir? How did we get here, what is going on?” Miguel said franticlly.
“It is one of the continents, of this world. Not that I know the name of the world. I see you were a crucifix, they have no gods, they say they are all dead. Rhir is a human kingdom on the edge of blight. I haven’t seen it yet, so I can’t tell you what the blight is. We were summoned here, with magic, from our world. I am guessing here is that there is some kind of world gate, or nexus near where were summoned. The king doesn’t give much information, he wants us to help kill demons, and build a wall. There was some kind of incident with his steward that we found out about. We have some magic items, and are working to make concrete and perhaps TNT.” Bloodstone replied.
“Coño, I thought I was having a bad trip. This is much worse, can you get me out of here.” He asked looking at the door.
“I can ask the king, however before I do, I need to get something straight with you.” Bloodstone said seriously.
“What?” He asked.
“You ever hurt Eve again, I will make your life a living hell.”, bloodstone said dropping his tone slightly and staring Miguel in the eyes.
“She broke my phone, that’s why I smacked her.” Miguel said.
“I don’t care, you touch her again, and being in a place like this will be the least of your worries.” Bloodstone said his voice getting softer, still staring at Miguel.
“What are you going to do you look like those fat white guys that eat fast food all the time? Me, I train, kick boxing, was going to go to regional’s in High school.” Miguel said ignoring him.
What I will do is crawl inside your head and start pulling you apart from the inside. Bloodstone projected into his mind.
“Coño, Diablo!”, he said backing away from the bars holding out his crucifix.
“You’re an idiot, you have those kinds of skills and you think hitting a woman makes you a man. It doesn’t, if you have to hit a woman to win an argument you have already lost. I’m done here.” He turned and took three steps, and the soldier turned to lead him back.
“Can you get me out of here, there are rats, and I hear screams.” Miguel said realizing they were about to leave.
“I can try, no promises, I wouldn’t attack the king again, you may end up on the front lines with the others, be polite.” He looked over at the soldier, “Screams?”
The soldier shrugged, “There are other prisoners down here, and that’s all I can really say.”
“No one from our world I am guessing?”, He asked.
“Not that I know of, just him.” he gestured with his thumb back at Miguel.
“Can I see these other prisoners?” Bloodstone asked.
“You best talk with the king, I only was told to bring you here and then back.” He said as he started walking back they way they came.
He followed the soldier back to the surface.
That was several hours ago, the talk with the king about Miguel went as could be expected, the king didn’t commit to anything. When he asked about the other prisoners the king was evasive.
“So there are no other people from my world imprisoned, besides Miguel?” Bloodstone asked
“There are no other prisoners that you need to worry about, if they are in the dungeon there is a reason they are there.” The King replied without really answering the question.
“Ok, would you tell me why you’re summoning people from my world? I know you have told me before there is no spell to send someone back. I am trying to understand the reasoning. I would ask that you don’t summon anyone else; I know my request doesn’t mean much, without me explaining myself. I got a good look at the kids that were dead, mid twenties, maybe early teens, Sarah is nineteen, so my guess is you’re looking for young people, who have some knowledge but not someone like me who is older, and has more experience.” Bloodstone stated.
“I need Heroes, preferably those who can level quickly, and kill demons and monster. The wall is my focus, and now that I have had a few days to really think about it, I have some choices I need to make. My steward, was a spy, he came to me about twelve years ago, and offered his services. He was from Chandrar, and told me he fled the king of destruction. The funds for the wall he had reallocated had been transferred in secret to build five large ships. They were mostly completed, and I have taken them for my navy. It is an expense that was unexpected, and unwarranted. This concrete and steel you suggest might be a workable solution. Newton and Beth have explained the process to make the powder used to make concrete. I have several alchemists looking for the best sources, who knew that certain rocks could be used to make harder rock.“ The king replied.
“You understand about the TNT, we can share the formula with the crown; however I highly suggest that the process itself be compartmentalized and kept a state secret. If none of those who were here mentioned it they may not have known how to make it.” Bloodstone suggested.
“There are others from your world, who are not on Rhir, they may know how to make it.” The King said imparting a fact.
“Others, do you mean people you summoned, who left Rhir?” Bloodstone asked.
“No, one of the others had a glass device like yours, and they were contacted with it. The girl Sarah is aware of the contact, ask her, she know more” The king said explaining.
“That’s, both disturbing and important, I will ask. We have kept our phones off until we can learn the repair spell or figure out how to recharge them properly.” Bloodstone said pulling the phone out of the bag showing it to the king. “This something we call a cellular phone, it works on a principal of light. The light you see is only a small fraction of what is in the universe, I my world they measure light a few different ways, it’s not really important. For someone to be able to send a message, and not be here on Rhir, that’s impressive and implies an understanding of how cellular phones work in general.” Bloodstone smiled,” I wonder if we could get a satellite up to see what your world looks like. I recall a game where we had something called watchdog, in orbit.”
“Orbit? A watch dog?” The king asked
“Oh your moons, they are in orbit around the world, at least that’s the premise, something up high but not as far out as the moons. Where it could look back at the world and send information back. Getting it up there would be the problem. I have a few ideas on how to get something like that where it would be useful. Just not sure what kind of satellite would work”
“I do not understand what you are speaking about.” The king commented.
“I apologize your Majesty, I was thinking out loud”, Bloodstone nodded.
“Bloodstone, are you thinking of taking my crown?” The King asked.
“Honestly, never thought about it. I don’t want your job. I am not up to speed on the problems of the kingdom, except the wall and demons. That being said, I will help you any way I can, all I ask is a little breathing room, and not to be forced into a bad situation”, He said honestly.
“I can understand that, you haven’t really made any outrageous demands of me or my time, since you arrived. There is a reason that I am in a rush to finish the wall, every fifty years or so the monsters, from the blight, attack the walls, we were not expecting the antinium forty or so years ago, we have been spending years repairing the damage. A better solution is a new wall; it has to be twice as long as the third wall. I was planning on sending you and the others out in a week, send you past the walls so that you can see what the blight looks like.” The king said matter of rubbing his chin.
“You changed your mind I am guessing?” Bloodstone asked.
“I have had a few days to think about it, many Heroes dead, what is left are progressing, and I don’t wish to interrupt that process. I have a report from one of the gold teams, that’s on Rhir, they found a few places that look promising for the sixth wall. I also want to put you closer to the fourth wall so that you can build up your skills and levels as needed, You also said you will want a place to work, that’s behind the walls, to build this train is that what you call it.” The king asked.
“Rail road and train, but yes, the tracks are steel, and the train moves along it. I know it sounds weird but back on my world they connected an east and west coast of a continent around three thousand miles, with train tracks. You could move people and goods to and from the capital to the fourth wall in hours not days. The advantage you have is that it just has to be built, I have a few books most are just pictures, there are one or two that have practical diagrams how to put a steam engine together. Once you get people familiar with the technology, it will spread. The issues are steel production and the facilities to make the rails and trains. You may not be used to thinking on what we call industrial scales.”
“Newton showed me some of the pictures, steel is the one issue. The best places to get iron to make steel is between the fourth and fifth wall.” The king pointed out several locations on the map.
“What did you have in mind?” Bloodstone asked.
“You’re not really what I was expecting, at least after having seen the others from your world. You challenge me make me see things differently. You haven’t really seen the problems and yet I get the feeling that you would help, if you can. Why is that?” The king asked.
“I’m not someone who wants to control people’s lives. Your trying to do the right thing, at least as you see it, it’s the best solution you have, if you had better solutions, you would pursue them. I will try and give you better solutions, it seems that your expansion into the continent has slowed, you need to accelerate it, industrializing would give it a huge kickstart, even planning years ahead, can give you some advantages you are not even seeing now.” Bloodstone replied trying to keep an even tone.
“Can you give me an example?” The king asked.
“Yes, I can the areas here where the iron is, located. It would have to be mined, requiring some defenses, as well as recovery of the metal, a train station there would allow you to transport large amounts of ore to be processes. The location after it is mined could be filled in and used as a natural lake or pond, have it stocked with fresh water fish. With the station, there it could be a nice place to rest and relax.”, Bloodstone suggested.
“Humm, you mean after the wall is completed?” He asked.
“Possibly, or used as a staging area. Towns usually will pop up where trains stop. I’m sure once I could see the area, I would have better suggestions or recommendations. Though this one here”. His finger sliding along the map to the far east side. “It seems kind of strange that you know about the iron in these areas, since its only in the past couple of days, we started asking about iron in large amounts.”
“I have the teams looking for specific metals, and iron is used weapons. The mines under my control are sufficient, for most of the common day to day tasks, the wall however has been costly. Newton confirmed my assessment, the wall can’t be finished with the current finances at least the way things are now, I needed to get an edge, summoning heroes seemed to be a good bet.” The king replied pulling out another map.
“This is a map of the tunnel system we found under the walls, most of them have been sealed, I wonder if you could use them for your train.” The King suggested laying out the map.
Bloodstone looked over the map, there were spider webs of tunnels through most of the outer walls, except there were few that approached the first wall. “Did you find these after the antinuim war? They look extensive, that kind of work takes months, possibly years, or a massive workforce.”
“Yes and that’s what troubles me, they fled Rhir, shortly after the war ended, we were not winning, so why did they suddenly leave? When they came there were no bodies, to bury, all the food and livestock had been taken. It was one of the worst years after they left, so many dead and still a lot of mouths to feed, it was the only time I ever say my father break. We found the remains, here in a pit. It is mostly bones, it’s one of the few places I have gone once. I swore that one day I would make them pay.” King Othius the Fourth said with a heavy heart.
Bloodstone swallowed and looked to where the king was pointing, it was underground near the third wall. “Have you ever sent a delegation to the antinium on Izril” He asked.
The king turned and stared at him, “To what end?”
“There are two reasons, the first is that you would tell them that your war with them is still ongoing and that they owe you a debt, that only blood can repay. The second is If they have changed, truly changed, they will understand the gravity of the situation. You’re the ruler of a nation, you can make it clear that until they meet your terms, you will be at war with them. It’s not something you would have to deal with now, I can think of a response that would send a very clear message, I am also an asshole if I want to be.”
“I don’t see what that would accomplish?” The king said somewhat perplexed.
“Are you still at war officially with the antinum?”
“Officially, no”
“Unofficially, then, it doesn’t hurt to open dialog. You must know someone you could contact on Izril. Ask, see if they would accept a delegation?” Bloodstone suggested.
“I could, I am not sure whom on Izril would listen to my request, I know a few houses there that have ties with Rhir. You have given me something to think about, what kind of message would you send?” He asked.
“The exploding kind, depending on the reply or just meet with them and figure out why they did what they did. The moment you understand the enemy, they become predictable.” Bloodstone smiled.
“I don’t know if that would be necessary, there are other more pressing matters, I would like to ask if you and your group would be willing to move to this garrison, the Lady who I left in charge there has been asking to return to the capital, to retire from wall duty. She was a good teacher, when I was younger, perhaps new blood at the wall would help you understand the situation.” The King pointed to a section of the fourth wall, near to where the breaches were as well as the tunnels.
“When?”, Bloodstone request.
“As soon as you are able, I will have some soldiers assigned to you, or you can hire your own, I would suggest getting horses, or hiring a wagon. The horses you might want to purchase as they will be more valuable out by the wall. I will have the paperwork drawn up, say a day or two after tomorrow?” The king said tapping the map and then rolling the maps back up.
“One sec, may I get a copy of those maps?” Bloodstone asked.
The king looked a little upset, “I would rather not have a scribe seeing these, perhaps if your daughter was to copy them I might be inclined to allow it.”
“What if I just took a picture, and copied it now?” Bloodstone asked.
“Show me,” The king unrolled the map laying it back out on the table.
Bloodstone pulled out his cell phone, and waited while it powered on with its chime. He swiped across a number of dots on the screen and unlocked the phone. Bloodstone then selected the photography application and took a dozen pictures of the map, and then shifted it and took more of the second map. The king watched with interest. Bloodstone then showed him the pictures, “No one will know I have them, it might be important to have them in digital format.”
The king rolled the maps up, and put them away. “I should take you a day or two to cross through the walls and get to the fourth wall, depending on how long you linger in the districts.”
“Two questions, where do I rank in the military and what are your expectations of me?” Bloodstone asked.
“You’re a [Lord], you answer to me and other lords and ladies. Since you’re new to the class, I expect you to carry out the law and fix things that are broken; I think you are suited for it.” He replied.
“Ahh ok, Thank you, I think”, and with that he left. The king laughed slightly as bloodstone left.
He didn’t return directly to his suite, he asked the guardsman, where there was a good place to see the city. It took him some time and a lot of steps to find his way to the fortress wall. The two guardsmen insisted that he tie himself with rope so as not to fall. They insisted, and he agreed stepping out onto the roof.
The view was incredible, and after taking a few pictures and turning off the phone, he sat down to think.
Lunch finished, the maid cleared the remains, and tidied up.
Newton, was staring at the cat lounging on the box, “I can’t tell what you’re made out of, it looks like its metal”
The cat opened his left eye, and stared back at Newton.
Xach still had half a sandwich in one hand, and his game system in the other. “It’s a stupid cat, who cares” He said taking a bite.
Sarah leaned over the chair to see what he was playing, “Can I borrow that at some point” She asked.
Xach looked over at her, “Maybe, if the battery lasts”
“One of the mages should have the repair spell, it can recharge the battery” Sarah said.
“Oh I have that spell in the new book. Did you ever get tested for magic?” Kuya asked Sarah.
Sarah looked over at her, “I did, and I didn’t get what they were trying to do.”
There was a knock at the door, the maid answered and a soldier was there with Miguel. He looked a little disheveled and his beard growth was coming in fairly well. Eve saw him and jumped off the chair. She ran over and hugged him and then backed up, “You stink, and you need a bath. I am showing Miguel where the bath is.” she left with him.
“Who was that,” Sarah asked.
“Her X,” Newton said still staring at the cat.
“You don’t hug your X like that.” Sarah said returning to watching Xach play his game.
“She’s a big girl; I don’t think it will be a problem, “Beth replied, looking up from a book she was reading.
Kuya was writing in a notebook, one of hers from earth you could tell as it looked to be manufactured and had metal rings in an odd spiral format.
Bloodstone sat looking out across the city, most of the buildings were two or three stories tall a few were taller, and even the port could be seen off in the distance. He looked over at the window he had climbed out of, and the rope was tied somewhere inside. Looking down he wasn’t sure if he could arrest his fall if he fell, maybe if he got a few levels. He made his way back inside, untied the rope and asked the guards there where the closest gate was.
It took him a while to get down and back to ground level. The guards were helpful and directed him to one of the gates. No one stopped him as he walked out, onto the cobblestone street. There were few people out in this part of the city, there were a few guardsmen, and they just seemed to note him and continue on the patrols they were on. He started walking without a specific destination in mind.
He still made it a point to walk with his sword, it was a plain blade, no ornamentation, a simple long sword with a clean edge, walking with it required resting a hand on the hilt to keep it from slapping against his leg. The guards didn’t bother him, there were other people out an about. The houses in the area were neat and seemed to be kept up.
He had leveled this morning, but not in a manner he was expecting. Thinking back on when he spoke with the king, it didn’t appear that the king had noticed, or wasn’t paying attention to the change. He had woken up and the voice that had leveled him previously, was a long string of changes, he wasn’t sure what it all meant.
[Hero level 2]
[Wizard level 5]
[Psion level 8]
[Engineer level 5]
[Monster Level 1]
[Condition – devils eyes received]
[class unlock achieved, prerequisites met]
[]
[Wizard levels removed]
[Psion levels removed]
[Engineer levels removed]
[Skill progression unlocked]
[Skill combine class acquired]
[Skill remove class acquired]
[Skill grant class acquired]
[sub class acquired]
[Wizard sub class level 5]
[Psion sub class level 8]
[Engineer sub class 5]
[Skill epiphany removed]
His psion abilities still worked, sort of, at least he could pick up surface thoughts of people close to him. He wasn’t too thrilled with acquiring a monster class. Everything seemed to be awash in color. He had gotten a look at his reflection, and his eyes were different, there was a soft reddish glow to them. It was subtle, most people would probably not notice it, his eye color had changed as well.
He found himself on one of the market streets, and people were calling out to look at their wares. He wasn’t sure why or where he was going. Two kids who were playing in the street rushed past him. A third slammed into him chasing the other two. He had seen the hands reaching for the small bag on his belt before it registered the child had moved past him. He turned and grabbed the child by the neck, “I don’t think that something you want to take from me”
“Let go mister, you’re hurting me”
Bloodstone retrieved the bag from the child’s hand, and still had not let go.
One of the other children had returned, “You let him go”, he said to Bloodstone
“Or you’ll do what?”
“I’ll bite you”
“Are you a dog?”
Two guardsmen came around the corner, and saw what was going on. “I told you kids to stop messing around in the market, what did this one do” The mouthy kid ran off back into the marketplace.
“Took my bag, I was recovering it.” He said not looking at the guardsmen.
“You want to press charges?” The guardsmen said.
“What is the penalty for theft?”
“Depends,” the second guardsman replied.
“On what?”
“How much was stolen, anything over two hundred gold it’s a hand, over five hundred the [magistrate] would decide the punishment.” The first guard replied.
“The bag is worth at least five hundred, the content are none of your concern.”
The first guardsman grabbed the kid and tied his hands. “We will need you to speak with the magistrate, are you an adventurer?”
“No, I’m not”
The flanked him and started walking through the market, towards a larger building where there was a small crowd gathered. The crowd was watching three ropes being setup on a platform. Bloodstone could see a glow around the black ropes, something sinister about them registered in his senses.
“What’s going on?”, Bloodstone questioned
The first guard replied, gesturing to a cage “A good hanging three thieves. That’s them over there in the cage”
The crowd was anxious, looking closer there were two men and a woman in the cage. A gray haired man climbed up the steps to the platform, and began to address the crowd in a loud voice. “Citizens, be calm we have found the killers, and they shall hang for the crimes, they have committed, theft of the baker gold. They will be allowed to speak, though I do not think any of them will.” She crowd began to settle.
“Who are they?”
“Some adventures who thought they could steal gold from the baker, and were caught in the act.” The second guard replied.
“This happen often?”
“No, I like Gauslee’s sweet rolls; they just melted in your mouth.” The other guards said shifting the rope he had on the kid to his other hand.
The kid tried to make a run for it, slipping out of the rope, the guardsmen were anticipating this happening and grabbed the kid.
“Little thief, lets see what the magistrate thinks about this” , the first guardsman said as he dragged the kit through the crowd. The crowd moved aside and he four of them were standing near the steps to the platform. Seeing the [guardsmen] the [magistrate] came down the steps. “What’s going on here”
“This little thief was pilfering in the market. This man apprehended the thief when they tried to steal his bag.” said the guardsmen, still holding on to the kid.
The magistrate looked at the kid, “See I told you, now what do I do with you.” He looked at Bloodstone, and shock registered across his face for a moment, “Are you going to demand justice?”
“No, I wanted to question the kid first, they insisted on talking with you.”
“What did you want to ask her?”
Bloodstone looked at the kid, it seemed that the magistrate knew her, and yes she was a girl, you could see it in the face, if he had bothered to look. “Why is a kid your age stealing?”
The kid seeing the scrutiny, started to tear up, her lower lip quivering “I’m sorry mister, I haven’t eaten in two days, please don’t sent me to the noose”
“She’s sorry and speaks the truth, surely you can let this pass.” the magistrate said.
“Normally I would, in this instance; I cannot in good consciousness allow such a thing to continue.” Before he could finish the girl started crying, the crowd wanted to see what was going on and moved in closer.
The magistrate seeing the crowd, “This is not a good place for this, let us go inside and discuss this matter further”
“No, as you seem to know about this girls situation, why is a girl her age stealing in the marketplace”, He turned his attention and addressed the girl, “where are your parents?”
“I don’t have any, they died” she sobbed.
“She was placed with her uncle, six or seven months ago, he is her ward.” The magistrate said and realized something as they were talking. “Her uncle was caught two days ago, and is one of those to be hanged.”
Without a word he turned and walked to the cage, “Which one of you is that child’s guardian?”
The larger man, moved closer to him, “Sod off”
Bloodstone reached out and read the man mind, “You were trying to get money to get off Rhir, you had an offer of five hundred gold for you and your friends, I don’t see the girl as being in those plans.”
The man reacted if slapped, “How did you know that?”
“I was going to speak with the magistrate, but I see now that you’re just a piece of garbage. Someone with your skills could have made money, you chose to go the easy way. I will make you a deal; your levels and I will get the three of you off Rhir”
The woman who had been listening, “You want to hire us?”
“I don’t need a spell less mage who was kicked out of Wistram in the first month. Though I will take your levels, it’s the only chance you have to live.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” The third man said shifting closer to the bars.
“You can’t be talking to the prisoners,” The magistrate said from behind Bloodstone.
Bloodstone looked over his shoulder, “I can, and I will.” He turned back the prisoners,”Your choice, your levels or the noose.”
“He’s batshit crazy, this one is.” The woman said.
“I will make that deal, you get me out of here you can have em.” The smaller man said
The magistrate had closed the distance, and heard the last part of the exchange, “What kind of deals are you making with these criminals”
“The kind that saves lives, and doesn’t feed the ropes.”
The magistrate sputtered, “What are you on about, these are criminals assaulted baker Gauslee, tried to rob him of his gold held his family hostage.”
“You may not have heard of me, I am a guest of the king. I am Lord Bloodstone, you will open this and let them out, where they will be escorted to a ship and sent off Rhir, if any of them return, hang em.”, he said reading the magistrates mind
“You don’t have that kind of authority, here. Lord or no Lord. You can’t just release prisoners. We also have to decide what happens to that girl, since her uncle is incarcerated.” The magistrate said getting upset.
“Ahh the girl, you’re on the fence, I also want those ropes or would you like me to tell the crowd what the ropes actually do.”
The magistrate turned bright red, “How do you know about the ropes?”
“What you know I know.”
“Who are you?”
“This is getting tiresome, I am [Lord] Bloodstone, That’s interesting, and you have a level of musician, would you be willing to part with it?”
The magistrate was confused for a moment,” How did you know I had that class? Not even my wife knows about that class.”
“Secrets, like the ropes. I am canceling the hanging, and the girl, well I suppose I have to take a hand in her well being.”
The magistrate started to back turn towards the steps, “We really need to hang someone.”
“No, and don’t make me use my power to force you to do what I tell you. Go ahead call the guardsmen; I need to get in some practice today.”
“Don’t forget to get the key”
“Let me take care of the crowd” The magistrate said walking back to the platform.
Bloodstone turned back to the cage, “Choose, noose or my deal.”
“Deal, though I don’t see how.” The big man said. “What about my niece.”
“What about her, the moment you decided to rob the baker, she became unimportant, you were going to leave her on her own.”
“That not true, “ He started to say
“Save it I really don’t give a dam, she is not your responsibility now”
“I will make the deal with you, and you said all my levels” The woman said smiling
“Of course, even those; that should be interesting.”
The all turned to see what the magistrate was going to do.
“Citizens new evidence had been given to me, we will have to wait till tomorrow to see them hang.” He said and then returned back down the steps. The crowd began to disperse.
“If you are able to take my musician level, you’re welcome to it.”
Bloodstone touched the magistrate on the head, and activated the remove class skill.
[sub Class musician level 1] ,Was heard in his mind.
The magistrate was stunned, “Dead gods, how are you able to do that”
“I am a [psion], and a special class. That’s all I am going to say”
Now for the rest of you, “Deal?”
The three of them reluctantly agreed, and he touched them each on the head and activated the skill.
[sub class Warrior level 16]
Was acquired from the large man
[sub class Mage level 6]
[sub class prostitute level 8]
[sub class farmer level 2]
Was acquired from the woman
[sub class thief level 12]
[sub class trader level 7]
Came from the smaller man, each of them went the levels were taken dropped as if punched in the face. “Now let us get them to a ship and off Rhir.“
After a moment there were skill updates.
[Skill greater strength acquired]
[Skill sense magic acquired]
[Skill disease resistance acquired]
[Skill Dodge acquired]
[Skill Hiding in plain sight acquired]
[Skill appraise item acquired]
[Skill appraise person acquired]
[Skill crossing the line upgrade to Skill line of death]
Bloodstone winced as each skill was added.
It wasn’t long before the three prisoners were helped from the cage by guardsmen, the nooses were taken down and the box they were carried in was handed to bloodstone. The girl was untied, and told that her uncle was leaving and that she would be in Bloodstone care. The three of them walked slowly to the docks there were a number of ships in port. The sea air was strong and was blowing out to sea, and two larger ships had already set sail.
There was a ship captain, who was calling out the port they were heading to, the three prisoners stepped up before the captain, Bloodstone stood next to them.
“These three need to sail, they can work, and they have no sea experience though I think they will learn quickly, how much for three of them passage?” Bloodstone asked.
“I know the woman; the men they can work or pay passage of a hundred gold each”
“Tell you what I’ll pay you a hundred gold to take all three.”
The captain thought about it, “That’s not enough, two hundred unless you have something to trade.”
“Actually, I could take any class you don’t need.”
“I said trade, what nonsense are you spouting.”
“What classes do you have Captain, perhaps I can come up with something?”
The captain glared at him, “I am a level twenty three [captain], I worked my way up the ranks, levels in [swashbuckler] as well as a [navigator]”
“No other classes that seems odd, I was going to offer to take any class you wanted, as it might be messing up your leveling. Three classes should be fine though”
“Let me talk to you over there” The captain replied getting a little upset.
They walked to the end of the dock out of earshot, of the guardsmen and the prisoners ,”Look I gave up being a pirate, I want to go legit, this is the third port I have been able to land without being called a pirate. I finally got a merchant class, not long ago.”
“How many pirate levels, I can take them from you if you want. You wouldn’t be lying if you someone said you’re a pirate. Though there is nothing wrong with being a pirate, it depends on the kind you are.”
“If you can take my pirate levels, will waive the fee”
Bloodstone reached out touched the captain’s head and activated the skill and took the pirate levels.
[sub class pirate level 17]
“Son of a bitch” Bloodstone said.
The captain was laughing, as he staggered back to the ship, he waived the prisoners on board.
The skill wave hit
[Skill Appraise ship acquired]
[Skill Perfect balance acquired]
[Skill Speed rowing acquired]
[Skill Alcohol immunity acquired]
The guardsmen turned to leave once they were on board. The girl, who was still standing by the docks, looked over at Bloodstone. “I am sorry mister, I really am, and you can let me go now.”
“I just kicked your uncle off Rhir what makes you think I am not going to take care of you. You have any brothers or sisters I should know about?”
“No”
“Good let’s find something to eat, and I can see if we can’t find a few things I need”
“Mister, what is wrong with your eyes, they are kind of scary.”
“Well is because I am a monster”
“You’re a monster?’
“What is your name kid and how old are you anyway?”
“Its Abigail I am twelve next snow fall.”
They walked for a few blocks, and found a tavern, on the corner of two streets, Dock and Market were the streets according to Abigail. They walked in.
“Hey I thought I told you kids to stay out of here.” The [Tavern keeper] shouted.
“She is with me, if my money is no good here I will find somewhere else to go.”
“Oh sorry, just find a seat, Nennie will be with you minute.”
The found a table off to one side, and sat down. A [barmaid] came over, “Hi, what can I getcha?”
“Meat, and vegetables, ale, whatever the girl wants,” Bloodstone said rubbing his temple with one hand.
“Bread, and meat and water” Abigail said.
“Two silver”
Bloodstone handed over a single gold coin,”I don’t have any change”
“Very well sir, I will have your meals shortly”
“Now Abigail, what are we going to do with you?”
The [barmaid] came over and put a basket of rolls on the table. Abigail grabbed one and started eating it.
“Mhh hmm mmme “ Abigail asked
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Yes do with you.”
“I don’t suppose you want to be a pirate? I could make you the youngest pirate ever.”
She made a face and wrinkled up her nose, but kept eating, and grabbed a second roll.
“Time to try another skill, combine, farmer and mage”
[sub class farmer combined with sub class mage]
[sub class Farmer Level 1]
[sub class Mage Level 5]
[sub class druid level 1]
“Want to be a druid?” He asked Abigail.
“What’s a druid.” She asked.
“They commune with nature help grow things, like a farmer but with magic.”
“I don’t know any magic.”
“Were you ever tested?”
“No” She bit into the last of the roll
[skill appraise plant acquired]
The barmaid returned, and dropped two mugs on the table.
“Miss, question if you have a moment”
“Sure what can I get you?”
“I was wondering, if you could tell me your classes?”
“I’m just a [barmaid]”
“Let me guess, you’re a level seventeen [barmaid]”
She blushed, “Well I did level a couple of nights ago so that’s right, here’s your change sir”
Bloodstone retrieved six of the eight coins, “Thank you, the rest are yours”
“Thank you sir,” She swept up the two coins and was heading back to the bar.
“Well here, druid powers.” He used the last skill and touched her on the head.
[sub skill druid transferred]
Abigail blinked, “Whoa, I can sense plants”
“Tell me if the skill disappears”
He reached out and took the class back from Abigail
[subclass druid level 2]
“I see how this works,”
[sub class druid transferred]
“I just got another skill, it’s appraise plant”
“Those must be the start skills for a druid. I am starting to get a headache from the transfers, you sure you don’t want to be a pirate”
“No, pirates are bad”
Bloodstone laughed, “I guess it depends on the pirate, did you ever hear of a pirate named Luffy”
The food arrived shortly after and neither of them was able or willing to talk and eat.
After the meal was finished, they got up and left.
“Abigail where is the closest places that sells horses?”
“I know where the horse pen is.”
She led him through the streets to a horse pen; it was a street over from Isabel’s fathers’ blacksmith shop. A man was training a horse in a pen.
A second man was standing at the fence when they came over. “Afternoon, what kin I help you with.”
“Going to want to buy some horses, with saddles and riding gear”
“How many horses”
“Sixteen horses with saddles, saddle bags and feed for four days.”
“When do you need them by?”
“Tomorrow”
“Humm where are you going not sure if I can get that many horses by tomorrow.”
“How much would that cost?”
“For five hundred gold, I could get them ready by tomorrow”
“I would need them at the palace, day after tomorrow at the latest”
“Good, let us go inside and finalize this”
They followed the man into the building, where gold was counted and papers signed, and sealed.
“One more stop, Abigail before we are done”
“I’m tired, all this walking, is boring.”
Bloodstone laughed, you won’t think it’s boring once we get to the palace. They walked over to the blacksmiths shop, bloodstone stood outside the door, for a few minutes, took a breath and went inside. The blacksmith shop looked much as it had a few days ago, there was a woman at the counter, whom he didn’t recognize.
“Afternoon, can I help you with something?” She asked, looking him over as well at the girl with him.
“I wanted to speak with the blacksmith about Isabel”
“Oh, you know my daughter, my husband took her yesterday to the palace and the king said he would find a way to get her sight back.”
“About that, I really have no idea how to go about it, I wanted to let you know we are going to the fourth wall in a day or so, I don’t know if having a blind woman there is the best idea.”
She looked him over, “Your shorter than I would have thought, you must be Lord Bloodstone. I believe in my daughter and the king, I know you will figure this out.” She leaned in closer, “My daughter is a seer, she told us that if she stayed here, everyone would die. She also saw a vision that she never shared with us.” She came around the counter, and looked at the girl, “You must be the druid.”
Both the girl and bloodstone stared at her. “How did you know?” Bloodstone asked.
“My daughter, she said the next time you came to the shop you would bring a great druid, that reminds me, you need to take Isabel’s things, let me get them.”
She hurried to a door at the back of the shop and called out, as the door closed. A young man came in from the door, and sttod behind the counter. “You need any help sir?” He asked.
“I am just waiting, she had to get something.”
“Were you here the other day, you look familiar.”
“Yes was with my wife and kids, and some friends. Why”
“Well Isabel told me something strange the other day,” He said.
“What would that be?”
“She said that you could make my dream come true if I asked.”
“What is your dream?”
He leaned over and motioned Bloodstone to get closer, He looked around the shop and whispered in his ear.
Bloodstone laughed, “Really?”
The kids blushed and turned bright red, “I know it’s silly I never wanted to be a blacksmith.”
“If you are serious, I think I can help you, I have some conditions.”
The woman returned, with a large backpack and carried it over to the counter, “Thank you Gregory, you can go back to the forge.”
Gregory looked torn, “I will think about it sir.” He then then turned and went back through the door.
Bloodstone picked up the backpack and it was heavy, “What’s in here, bricks?”
“Her books, extra clothes.” The woman said.
“There is one other thing I wanted to take care of if I could talk with your husband?” He asked.
“He should be out shortly.” She sat down on the stool behind the counter.
Gregory came back out the door, as if checking to see if he was still there. The Blacksmith came through the door, and walked over to the counter. Gregory was peeking out of the door.
“Good to see you again, I think you wanted to ask me something, the answer is yes, I will.” He grinned.
“How do you even know what I was going to ask.”
“You wanted to tell me, that the king is sending you north, and you’re worried about Isabel.” He looked at his wife then back to Bloodstone,” I have something you are going to need. Gregory, can you grab the package, by your knee and bring it in here?” He said without looking.
Gregory’s eyes looked panicked, and grabbed the large leather case and brought it to the counter. “Isabel asked me to make these last year, she was very specific on the blades. These are the best work I have ever done, take them. Gregory, you have some business with him, we will leave you to it. If you decide to leave, I wish you well, and you are always welcome here. For your travels”, he said and placed a small leather bag on the counter. Without another word, the two of them left, and closed the door.
“I have thought about it you’re a lord and you need someone to watch your back, Isabel said that you wouldn’t care if I was a level nine [blacksmith] or that I had some other classes, she said to be honest with you. I really care about Isabel, I want to be there when she can see, I want to protect her.”
“What other classes”
He sighed, “I have two [thief] levels, from when I was on the streets, eight [goldsmith] levels and one [pirate] level, that I don’t want to talk about.”
Bloodstone laughed, “Seriously, have I got a deal for you, we can talk about it on the way back to the palace, if don’t like what I suggest, you can come back.”
Gregory nodded.
“You carry her things, if you have anything you want to get I can wait.”
“I’m good, I can come back if there is something I need” He picked up the bag, and looked at it funny, and hefted it in one hand, his eyes went wide when he opened it and looked inside. He poured out a dozen gold coins, before putting them back in with the rest.
They left the blacksmith shop and were talking as they made their way back, to the palace.
Halfway there Gregory stopped, “Your serious?”
“Pretty much, though I am still trying to figure out how it works, let’s keep this a secret between us”
The continued to walk, and entered the palace grounds, without any difficulty from the guards.
Bloodstone stood outside the throne room, the guardsmen who stood there, had asked him to wait while the king was occupied. A half hour later, a [page] came out and told them the king would see him now.
The king sat on the throne, Isabel sat on a small stool by the raised dais. Kuya, and Xach stood off to the kings left side. Amethyst, Beth, Miguel, Newton, Eve and Sarah, were on the kings’ right side, they were silent as Bloodstone walked in. There were guardsmen, around the room, and flanking the king.
“I have informed your family and associates, that you will be going to the fourth wall in two days. Isabel has given me some interesting facts.”
“Your Majesty, I have a request, this young man is a blacksmith by trade, and would like to serve as a knight to your crown. I am not able to grant this title to him, as a [king] you would be able to.” He said gesturing to Gregory.
The king looked him over, “Why would I make a [blacksmith] with no real combat skills a knight, he has enough classes already.”
“If it’s a question of classes, I can fix that to some extent.” Bloodstone offered.
The king stood up, and was still staring at Gregory, “Boy, you are a pirate, and a thief, confess your crimes”
Gregory swallowed, he could feel the presence of the king, “Your majesty, it’s from when I was young and foolish before I was taken in by Isabel’s father.”
“Gregory?” Isabel said turning in his direction.
The king looked him over, his face a mask of authority. “A Lord has brought you before me, why should I consider you for a knight, a thief and a pirate.”
Gregory glanced at Bloodstone.
“Don’t look at him boy!” The king said his voice thundering off the walls.
Gregory looked terrified, as he looked back at the king, “I want to protect people,” His eyes looked at Isabel.
The king saw his eyes wander and struck him without warning. “No boy, you can’t protect anyone” He looked over at Bloodstone, “Your sword, give it to me.”
Bloodstone hesitated for a moment and drew his sword carefully, and presented it hilt first to the king. The king took the blade, and pointed it at Gregory. “Are you prepared to die boy?”
“Your Majesty, this is not..”
Before he could finish, the king looked at him and shouted, “Silence, you will be dealt with next once I have finished with this boy.”
Bloodstone took a step back, the king was furious, and it was directed at Bloodstone. Several of the guardsmen took several steps forward, to assist the king. “Hold!,” The king said to his men. They stopped and waited. The king dropped the blade in front of Gregory, “Pick it up.” The king then drew his own blade.
Gregory, grabbed the blade and held it out, his stance was off. The king slapped the blade, from Gregory’s hand, the blade rang as it hit the floor. “How can you defend anyone boy, you can’t defend yourself”
Gregory dove and picked up the blade, and swung it at the king, who blocked it. “You have strength boy, strength does not make a knight.”
There were several strikes, on the blade Gregory wielded from the king’s sword, each rang out as steel met steel, and sparks flew. “This boy is not worthy of being a knight, why would you bring such a weakling before me?”
Bloodstone started to reach out to Gregory, “You touch him and you both die.” Bloodstone pulled his hand back. The king took two swings with the blade and was blocked, sparks flying from the blade Gregory was wielding. The king took two steps back from Gregory, “What’s the matter boy”. He said seeing Gregory panting.
Gregory tightened his grip, and slashed at the king. The king never moved or shifted his stance, the blade missed him by inches.
“Is that the best you can do?” The king taunted him.
Gregory paused, looked at the king, and lowered the blade to the floor. “I can’t beat you, I don’t have the levels.”
The king grinned, “Now you see why someone like you could never be a knight.”
There was a hint of anger from Gregory, his grip tightened on the blade. Gregory yelled and brought the blade up then down to slash the king.
The king blocked the blade, and brought his own blade across Gregory’s chest, it was a shallow cut, but blood began to flow. Gregory backed away, “You see boy, you’re no match for me.”
Isabel sat on the stool listening, her lower lip clutched in her teeth.
“Now boy, it’s time to end this, once I have finished with you, the false seer will be thrown out of the palace.”
“NO!,” Gregory said charging the king, and swinging wildly.
“Oh, he has spirit,” There was steel on steel and the blade Gregory was wielding, slide across the floor, and landed next to Xach.
The guardsman, who were watching, backed up.
The king stood over Gregory his blade inches from his chest. “Any last words boy?”
Gregory who was holding his bleeding hand grabbed the kings blade with both hands, the blade bit deep into his flesh. The king went to pull the blade away, and it was held, he pushed it forward, and it was held. Bloods was pooling down the blade and dripping onto the floor.
“Let go boy, it’s over.” The king said leaning close.
“No, I won’t let you hurt Isabel.”
The King laughed, “You have proven your metal, if I had more men in my army like you, nothing could stop me.”
Gregory let go, and closed his hands. A guardsman handed the king a cloth, the king cleaned the blade and sheathed it. He turned back to his throne and sat down. “Xach how many nicks are on the blade.”
Xach picked up the blade and looked it over, “Four.”
The king looked at Bloodstone, “This number it means something to you does it not,” then to Isabel.
Bloodstone nodded, still not speaking.
“I would like to know how you were able to get rid of your classes, and how you have a monster class, or are you some knew horror from the blight?”
“Four to me means death, though in this instance it doesn’t really mean much. I am the same person you summoned in that ball room, less than a week ago.”
“Yet here you stand without levels.”
“I still have them, and more, I have a class that is different than your normal classes. Abagail, had no classes when I found her.” He gestured to Abigail who was standing just inside the door.
The king looked over at her, “A druid, that’s very unusual to find on Rhir. Abigail, when did you become a druid.”
“Earlier your majesty, when he gave me the class” She said clearing intimidated.
“Gave?” He looked at Bloodstone.
“I have a skill that lets me move classes.”
The king’s eyes narrowed, “Show me.”
“How do you want me to show you?”
He looked at Isabel, “Remove her Seer class.”
Isabel turned to the king, “This is not right your majesty, to take the only class I have”
Bloodstone walked over to her, “This shouldn’t be too bad, how many levels do you have?”
Gregory got up, his hands still bloody.
“To many, if you do this, give me some of your levels first.” She said softly
“Your Majesty, I don’t know how many levels she has, I am going to give her some of the class levels I have.”
“Very well.” The king said watching.
Gregory stepped in front of Bloodstone, “You will not touch her.”
“Gregory, this is necessary”, Isabel said placing a hand on his shoulder.
“You said you would help me be a knight, so far you have almost gotten me killed by my king.” Gregory accused.
The king laughed, “You find the most unusual people, they must be drawn to you like a moth to a flame.”
The king stopped laughing, “Bloodstone name the classes you have, we will determine what you should trade.”
“I would rather not say them aloud.”
“Why is that?” The king asked.
“Some of them were unexpected.”
“Such as”
“[Pirate]”
“How many levels of [pirate]?”
“Seventeen”
“You jest, there is nothing wrong with being a [pirate], a [privateer] is better.”
“Oh, is there difference between a [pirate] and a [privateer]?”
“Just a writ that says you work for a country, I am intrigued. What other classes”
“[prostitute]”
The king looked at him, then his ring, and then over to the rest of the group.” Really Lord Bloodstone, I think you are making a jest, I don’t find it very funny.”
“You asked”
“What other classes”
“[Thief], [warrior], [musician], [mage], [trader]as well as the classes you know about, [Psion], [wizard] and [engineer]”
The king thought about if for a few minutes,” There is an ancient rumor, that there was an ability like yours, someone who could balance out people’s classes. A king used the woman who had the abilities, to build a grand kingdom, they were drunk on power, and eventually, the only ones who had any classes were them, it took a long time to kill the king and the woman. It’s a story lost to time, greed of power only leads to destruction. You must decide if you are going to use this class, my skill to see the classes cannot see through your class. Give the boy warrior, and trader, he is already a thief and a pirate.”
“Bloodstone, you must not have more than a hundred levels in that class, ever.” Isabel said.
“Why?”
“I, I cannot tell you, I know that if you do that, something awakens, something no one is ready for, not now.”
“Then what level is your seer class.”
“Thirty-seven”
“You told me twelve” ,Bloodstone said.
The king stared at her, ”I think I now understand, your reluctance to admit your level.” He turned to Gregory, ”Boy, what is your name?”
“I am Gregory Smith.”
“Gregory, she is a treasure of my kingdom, one that will need a knight to protect her. Stop bleeding on the marble.”
“I am sorry, your Majesty.”
Kuya walked over hand put several drops of healing potion on his hands and then handed him the vial.
“Thank you”
“Phhsh,” she said waving at him as she went back to stand next to her brother.
Bloodstone looked over at everyone, “How did you get them to be quite this whole time?”
The king laughed, “Your wife can be scary when she wants to, she mesmerized them when you first came in the door.”
“Oh…” He looked at his wife. “Ohhh..I take it you figured something out”
She just nodded, giving him a look.
“Now Bloodstone, Gregory will need to be a [warrior], give him the [trader] class as well.” The king suggested.
Bloodstone reached out and touched Gregory on the head, “Give class, [warrior].” He felt the classes leave.
[Warrior sub class removed]
He felt as if someone hit him in the face with a brick. “OW!”
Gregory staggered back. “Dead Gods! I have the [warrior] class” He looked over at Bloodstone, “are you, all right?”
“No, not really must be to many levels at once, just give me a few minutes.”
There was some discussion amongst Eve, Newton, Beth, Sarah. Miguel was listening along with Amethyst, both not engaging in the whispered conversation.
Eve was the first to break away from the group and stand next to Gregory and Isabel. “This is crazy, how are you able to do that with classes.” She asked.
“Who knows, I just think differently than most people.”
“Give me the pirate class you have.”
“You sure”
“Hurry up before I change my mind.”
He reached over to touch Eve, “Give pirate class”
[Pirate sub class removed]
The pain behind his eyes, was excruciating, he almost threw up, the pain was so intense.
“That’s a lot of pirate levels,” Eve said.
“Yeah, surprised me to when I offered to take them from the captain. I think he found it humorous that he was able to get rid of them.”
“Your turn Sarah”, Eve said returning to the group.
Bloodstone looked at Sarah, “What?”
“You saved my life, I want the rest of the classes, a cook is no use to you but a thief, or a mage, or a wizard.” She shrugged.
“A cook is useful, you don’t have to do this.”
“I want to be useful, give me all the classes you don’t want.”
“Seriously, you don’t have to do this.”
“Just do it.”, Sarah said closing her eyes.
He reached out and said, not that he had to say anything, “give class [trader], Give class [thief], give class [mage]”
[Trader sub class removed]
[Thief sub class removed]
[Mage sub class removed]
Bloodstone staggered, and Gregory held him steady.
“That’s not all the classes” Sarah said.
“But”
“Stop being a prude, it’s just a class”
Bloodstone transferred the last class he was willing to lose.
[Prostitute sub class removed]
“See not so bad. Oh, Skills!”, she said.
Bloodstone panted, trying to block the pain. “it’s like something is ripped out of you. Give me a few minutes.” He looked at the king, are you convinced?”
“Yes, I think you should still take her class from her.”
“Why?”
Isabel spoke softly, “You will need to see for yourself, maybe you can find a solution that I can’t see.”
Bloodstone stood up straight, “I don’t think this a good idea.” He reached out and touched Isabel on the forehead. He activated the skill, to remove the class.
[Sub Class Seer 37 Acquired]
For a moment there was a calm, and then the skill wave hit.